Solid-state lighting fixtures with socket connections for accessories and accessories for use therewith

ABSTRACT

A solid-state lighting fixture assembly having a lighting fixture with a socket configured to receive a plug associated with one or more accessories to allow for easy in-field mounting of accessories, e.g., controls, onto installed lighting fixtures. The socket may be internally electrically connected to an auxiliary power output of a driver and/or to a battery power pack within the lighting fixture assembly, thereby providing direct-current voltage power for the accessory and, also, allowing for signal transmission to and from the accessory. Each accessory includes one or more sensors and communication components to provide the connected lighting fixture assembly with specific capabilities including, but not limited to, motion detection, ambient light level detection, ambient temperature measurement and wireless communications. The wireless communication can also be used to control one or a group of lighting fixtures and transmit sensor data associated with, for example, monitoring space utilization and asset tracking.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This Application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Appl. No.63/048,373, filed Jul. 6, 2020, the entire contents of which areincorporated by reference herein.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Solid-state lighting fixtures are well known in the prior art,particularly in connection with light emitting diodes (LED). Many ofthese lighting fixtures are provided with accessories, such as, sensorsfor detecting ambient conditions in controlling light output from thefixtures. The sensors may detect an ambient level of darkness, e.g.,detecting dusk or dawn, in determining whether light output is required.In addition, sensors may detect motion, thus causing light activationupon detection of movement of an individual or object (e.g., a vehicle)in an area.

Sensors must be wired and properly connected to a driver of a lightfixture to provide power to the sensor and to allow signal transmissionto the driver to respond to sensor readings. Since internal wiring isrequired, sensors are generally factory mounted, with customerspre-specifying the sensors upon ordering light fixtures. Later in-fieldretrofitting of light fixtures to add sensors, or other accessories, iscostly and time intensive due to the typical need to disassemble thelight fixtures, possibly even requiring the dismounting of the fixture.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the subject invention provides a solid-state lightingfixture assembly having a lighting fixture with a socket configured toreceive a plug associated with one or more accessories. The subjectinvention allows for easy in-field mounting of accessories, e.g.,controls, onto installed lighting fixtures. The plug and socket may beconfigured to provide together a connection in accordance with setstandards. The socket may be internally electrically connected to anauxiliary power output of the driver and/or to a battery power packwithin the lighting fixture assembly, thereby providing direct-currentvoltage power for the accessory and, also, allowing for signaltransmission. Various plug/socket combinations may be utilizedincluding, but not limited to, audio plug/jack combinations and USBconnector/port combinations. Advantageously, the subject inventionprovides for a low-cost arrangement for in-field accessory retrofittingof solid-state lighting fixtures without disassembly of the fixtures.

As used herein, the term “socket” covers any opening or hollowconfigured to hold and electrically couple with a plug or connector. Byway of non-limiting examples, a “socket” may be a jack or a port.

These and other features of the subject invention will be betterunderstood through a study of the following detailed description andaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1-2 show a solid-state lighting fixture assembly in accordancewith the subject invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic of a driver, plug, and socket arrangement useablewith the subject invention;

FIG. 4 shows an accessory mounted to a solid-state lighting fixture inaccordance with the subject invention;

FIG. 5 shows an accessory, having a jack-plug mounting, and a socket ona solid-state lighting fixture in accordance with the subject invention;

FIG. 6 shows an accessory having a jack-plug mounting useable with thesubject invention;

FIG. 7 shows an exemplary three-contact jack plug;

FIGS. 8 and 8A show a threaded collar useable with a plug, in accordancewith the subject invention;

FIGS. 9-20 show different embodiments of plugs and sockets, beingconfigured as a USB connector/port, in accordance with the subjectinvention;

FIG. 21 shows a remote control useable with the subject invention; and

FIGS. 22-31 are schematics of circuit designs useable with the subjectinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, a solid-state lighting fixture assembly 10is shown which generally includes a solid-state lighting fixture 12 anda socket 14. The solid-state lighting fixture 12 may be of anyconfiguration which utilizes solid-state lighting elements forgenerating light, such as LEDs, OLEDs (organic light emitting diodes),and QLEDs (quantum light emitting diodes), and a driver 16 for AC/DCpower conversion and control of the lighting elements. The driver 16, asis known in the art, may include auxiliary power output connections toallow for electrical output to be provided as direct current voltage inthe range of 10-12 volts DC. In addition, or alternatively, thesolid-state lighting fixture assembly 10 may include a battery powerpack 18, to provide direct-current power from storage, in the range of10-12 volts DC. The driver 16 may include: standard controls foractivating and deactivating the lighting elements; lighting controls(e.g., dimmer); and/or, battery back-up connections.

The solid-state lighting fixture 12 may be of any known type. FIGS. 1and 2 show a troffer-type lighting fixture for illustrative purposes. Aswill be recognized by those skilled in the art, any type of solid-statelighting fixture may be utilized. By way of non-limiting example, thesolid-state lighting fixture 12 may be for industrial or residential usein any form, including, but not limited to a troffer, wall pack, highbay light fixture, canopy luminaire, linear light fixture, floodluminaire, area luminaire, bollard, pendant light fixture, and so forth,which may be mounted in any manner, including, but not limited to,ceiling mounted, wall mounted, pole mounted, suspended, and so forth. Inaddition, the lighting fixture 12 may be for indoor or outdoor use.

The solid-state lighting fixture 12 includes a body 20 to which ismounted the socket 14. Preferably, the socket 14 is factory-installedduring manufacturing of the solid-state lighting fixture 12. Preferably,the socket 14 is located on a surface of the body 20 which is externallyaccessible without the need for removal of surrounding structure orelements, such as wall panels, ceiling tiles, brackets, and so forth.For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the socket 14 may be located ona downward facing surface of the body 20, with the solid-state lightingfixture 12 being a troffer, thus, being accessible without need forremoving ceiling tiles or accessing a rear portion of the solid-statelighting fixture 12. To limit vandalism or theft of an accessory, thesocket 14 may be located on an external surface of the body 20 buthidden from view in normal use, e.g., in the rear of the solid-statelighting fixture 12, above a ceiling. Alternatively, the socket 14 maybe located internally of the body 20, e.g., where the solid-statelighting fixture 12 is intended for outdoor use. This protects thesocket 14 from exposure to moisture. Preferably, with internal mounting,it is preferred that the socket 14 be accessible with removal of minimalparts, such as being located behind an access panel that can be removedwithout disassembly of the solid-state lighting fixture 12.

As shown in FIG. 3, an exemplary driver 16 is schematically shown havingpower inputs for receiving alternating-current power (line, neutral) andpower outputs (positive, negative) for providing direct-current power tolight generating elements of the solid-state lighting fixture 12. As isknown in the art, the driver 16 may include an integrated circuit chip,acting as a microprocessor, to control the driver 16. Electricalcomponents, such as capacitors, resistors, inductors, and so forth maybe provided to configure the driver 16 to have a constant-voltage outputor a constant-current output, as needed. One or more sets of auxiliarypower outputs (aux) may be provided with positive and negativedirect-current power outputs. The auxiliary power outputs may providepower in the range of 10-12 volts DC for external use. Electricalconductor 19 may be provided electrically connected to one of theauxiliary power outputs to convey direct-current electrical power to thesocket 14. The driver 16 may be configured to respond to signals(electrical, data) received via the auxiliary power outputs, e.g., toturn on/off the solid-state lighting fixture 12, to dim/brighten thesolid-state lighting fixture 12, etc. In addition, or alternatively, thebattery power pack 18 may be connected to the socket 14 by electricalconductor 24 to provide power thereto. As is known in the art, thebattery power pack 18 may be connected to alternating-current power toprovide charge to the battery power pack 18.

As shown in FIGS. 4-6 one or more accessories 26 may be mounted to thesocket 14 using a plug 22. The accessory 26 may be a type of controllerfor sending electrical signals to the driver 16 to control light output,e.g., causing light to switch on/off, causing light to dim/brighten,etc. The accessory 26 may be in the form of a sensor for detectingambient conditions, including being configured to detect level of light,or to detect motion of an object or person. Any sensor type may beutilized, including, but not limited to, bi-level microwave sensors andbi-level PIR sensors. In addition, or, alternatively, the accessory 26may be a networked controller, e.g., being web-enabled to interact as adevice on the Internet-of-things (IOT), having a wireless receiver forreceiving wireless control signals from a separate controller, such as asmartphone, computer, network hub, and so forth. This allows forwireless control of the solid-state lighting fixture 12, on anindividual level and/or on a network level. Any wireless configurationmay be utilized, including, but not limited to, Bluetooth, ZigBee, andso forth. The accessory 26 may also include a wireless transceiver toallow for two-way communication between other elements, in or outsidethe network. The plug 22 is provided on the accessory 26 to transmitpower thereto and to transmit electronic signals to and from theaccessory 26 via the socket 14. The plug 22 is electrically coupled tocomponents of the accessory 26 using any technique (e.g., wiring) toconvey power thereto and/or to uni- or bi-directionally conveyelectronic signals thereto/therewith.

As will be appreciated by the those skilled in the art, the wirelesstransmitter of the accessory 26 may allow for data to be transmitted tothe driver 16 and/or other devices, including remote cloud storage. Thisallows for data collection and/or data transmission, e.g., regarding theoperation of the solid-state lighting fixture 12, ambient conditions,maintenance of the solid-state lighting fixture 12, and so forth. Forexample, data may be collected which allows for review of on/off states,frequency and timing of on/off, etc. of the solid-state lighting fixture12. In addition, with use of the accessory 26, ambient conditions, suchas temperature, humidity, and acidity, may be also collected andtransmitted for storage and review. Web-enabling software for the driver16 and/or the accessory 26 may be included with a computing processingunit (CPU) that may be provided with the solid-state lighting fixture12. Any such CPU may be wirelessly coupled with the accessory 26 and/orhard-wired coupled to the socket 14 for connection with the accessory 26via the plug 22. Note that the above-described data collection and/ortransmission can be used for many purposes such as controlling one or agroup of light fixtures—on/off/dim based on a set of preprogrammedinstructions using a remote or applications on connected smart device,controlling other aspects of the light fixture such as color modulationand human centric lighting, and for transmitting the collected data toremote analysis to provide, for example, space utilization monitoringand/or asset tracking.

As shown in FIGS. 3-8, the socket 14 and the plug 22 may be configuredas an audio jack and plug combination. As an audio jack and plugcombination, the socket 14 and the plug 22 may be formed in accordancewith any known standard including, but not limited to, WE-309, WE-310,BP0316, EIA RS-453, and IEC 60603-11. As shown in FIG. 7, the plug 22,as an audio jack plug, may be provided with two or more contacts, as isknown in the art. FIG. 7 shows a possible three-contact arrangementuseable with the subject invention, with contacts A, B, C, useable aspositive and negative contacts and a ground. Other jack plugarrangements, including at least two contacts (allowing for positive andnegative electrical flow and data flow (e.g., signal over power datatransmission)) may be utilized. The socket 14 is selected to correspondto the plug 22, including the number of contacts provided on the plug22. As an audio jack, the socket 14 may be through-panel-mounted to thebody 20, as shown in FIG. 3, with the socket 14 having a socket body 14a extending through an opening 21 in the body 20. A collar 14 b may belocated about the socket opening 21 with a locking nut 14 c beingthreaded mounted onto the socket body 14 a. The collar 14 b may have apolygonal, e.g., hexagonal, profile for engagement with a mounting tool,e.g., a wrench. With tightening of the locking nut 14 c, the collar 14 band the locking nut 14 c generate pressure against the body 20 about theopening 21 to hold the socket 14 in place. The locking nut 14 c and/orthe body 20 may be configured to limit loosening, for example, by beingprovided with features on a face thereof intended to enhance frictionalengagement between the locking nut 14 c and the body 20 (e.g., raisedportions (ribs, detents) being provided). Washers, lock washers and/oradhesive may be provided between the locking nut 14 c and the socketbody 14 a and/or the body 20 to limit loosening of the locking nut 14 cduring use, particularly due to vibration.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 9-20, the socket 14 and the plug 22 maybe configured as a USB connector/port combination. The accessory 26 maybe provided with the plug 22 configured as a USB connector, as shown inFIGS. 9 and 12. The socket 14 may be configured as a USB port, as shownin FIGS. 10 and 11. The USB connector/port may be formed as any USBconnector/port, including, but not limited to, any USB connector/portformed in accordance with specifications promulgated by the USBImplementers Forum, Inc. (USB-IF, www.usb.org). The USB connector/portprovides data lines in addition to power lines, thereby allowing datatransmission, in addition to power transmission, between the accessory26 and the driver 16. This allows for linking with the driver 16 and/orany CPU provided with the solid-state lighting fixture 12. By way ofnon-limiting example, the socket 14 and the plug 22 may be configured asa USB-C connector/port, providing for a double-sided twenty-four pinconnection. Other multi-pin USB connection configurations may beutilized.

As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the socket 14 and theplug 22 may be configured to various recognized standards, including,but not limited to, Apple Lighting, Thunderbolt, MIDI, FireWire, and soforth.

A gasket or other rubber element may be provided about the socket 14 tominimize vibration in the accessory 26 when mounted. In addition, thegasket or other rubber element may provide a frictional interfaceagainst the accessory 26 which restricts inadvertent rearward movementand possible loss of connection.

In addition, a lock or other security measure may be provided torestrict removal of the accessory 26 once mounted and/or to resistloosening of the accessory 26 due to vibration or other externalfactors. With the accessory 26 being exposed in a mounted state, theaccessory 26 may be subjected to vandalism or theft. A locking ring maybe mounted about the socket 14 which allows insertion of the plug 22into the socket 14, but resists rearward removal thereof. Alternatively,as shown in FIGS. 8 and 8A, a threaded collar 30 may be provided aboutthe plug 22 for threaded engagement with an internally-threaded ring 31fixed to the body 20 about the socket 14. The plug 22, configured as anaudio jack plug, may be rotated with insertion into the socket 14,configured as an audio jack. Adhesive may be provided along the threadedconnection to inhibit removal of the plug 22.

As indicated above, the socket 14 and the plug 22 may be configured toallow for relative rotation therebetween, e.g., having a round interfacesuch as that provided where the socket 14 and the plug 22 are configuredas an audio jack/audio jack plug connection. It is further noted thatthe configuration of the socket 14 and the plug 22 may not permitrelative rotation therebetween, for example, where the socket 14 and theplug 22 are configured as a USB connector/port. This may result from thesocket 14 and the plug 22 having a non-round interface, such as thatprovided with a USB connector/port interface. Here, it is preferred thatthe accessory 26 be mounted to the body 20 to limit rotation of the plug22 relative to the socket 14, particularly post-mounting. With thisarrangement, as shown in FIGS. 13-19, the socket 14 may be mounted tothe body 20, as described above, with the socket body 14 a extendingthrough the opening in the body 20 with the locking nut 14 c threadedlymounted to the socket body 14 a. As above, with tightening of thelocking nut 14 c, the collar 14 b and the locking nut 14 c generatepressure against the body 20 to hold the socket 14 in place. Washers,lock washers, and/or adhesive may be provided between the locking nut 14c and the socket body 14 a and/or the body 20 to limit loosening of thelocking nut 14 c during use, particularly due to vibration. As shown inFIGS. 16, 18 and 19, the socket body 14 a may be provided with a notch14 d, particularly above the collar 14 b, formed to receive a set screw28. The set screw 28 is formed to extend through a portion of a housing36 or base portion 42 of accessory 26. The interengagement of the setscrew 28 and the notch 14 d restricts rotational movement of theaccessory 26 relative to the socket 14, thus, minimizing strain on theplug 22 when connected to the socket 14. The set screw 28 may beprovided as a threaded body, with no screw head, having an open endformed to receive a tool, such as an Allen wrench, for causing rotationthereof.

Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 20, the socket 14 may be providedwith a non-circular profile for shape-mating engagement with a recess 32in the accessory 26. The shape of the non-circular profile and therecess 32 are selected to prevent rotation therebetween, e.g., beinggenerally rectangular, polygonal, irregular, and so forth. With thesocket 14 received in the recess 32, rotation of the plug 22, relativeto the socket 14, is limited. Optionally, one or more mounting screws 34may be also provided, formed to pass through at least a portion of theaccessory 26, into engagement with the body 20. The mounting screw(s) 34may be sheet-metal screws formed to threadedly engage a panel of thebody 20. One or more caps or covers 35 may be provided to hide themounting screw(s) 34 for aesthetic and security purposes.

In addition, as shown in FIG. 20, socket 14 may be provided withmounting detents 14 e spaced below the collar 14 b to snap engage with aportion of the body 20 about the opening 21. In this configuration, thelocking nut 14 c is not required.

As shown in FIGS. 16-19, the accessory 26 may be formed of multiplecomponents including a housing 36 formed to be mounted to an innermounting plate 38 received in an outer mounting ring 40. The outermounting ring 40 may include a base portion 42 with an upstanding skirt44 formed to circumscribe the inner mounting plate 38. Preferably, theskirt 44 defines an inner diameter greater than the diameter of theinner mounting plate 38 to define an air gap 46, which may bediscontinuous or continuous so as to be annular. In addition, the innermounting plate 38 may be formed with a tapered rear surface 48, beingangled downwardly towards the air gap 46 to allow for any watercollected between the inner mounting plate 38 and the outer mountingring 40 to run off.

Any electronic components 50 may be provided within the accessory 26 asneeded, e.g., such as any of the sensors, communication components, andso forth, discussed above. The electronic components 50 may be securedto a plate or printed circuit board 52, which in turn, may be secured tothe inner mounting plate 38 with snap-fit arms 54 snap engaging slots 56in plate or printed circuit board 52, as shown in FIG. 18.Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 19, the snap-fit arms 54 may be providedon the housing 36 formed to engage the slots 56 formed on the innermounting plate 38. Depending on the need for signal transparency, a lens58 may be provided which is, at least, in part transparent to anysignals necessary for detection, such as ambient light, infrared, and soforth. The lens 58 may be provided as a separate component or integralwith the housing 36. A fixture plate 60 may be provided for securing theplug 22, which may be configured as a USB port. The fixture plate 60 maybe secured to the inner mounting plate 38 by screws 62.

As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, the outer mounting ring 40 may be providedwith an inner locking thread 64 for threaded engagement with thread 66located on the inner mounting plate 38, and with an outer locking thread68 for threaded engagement with locking thread 70, provided on thesocket 14. For assembly, the outer mounting ring 40 is secured to thesocket 14. The housing 36, with the plug 22 and the electroniccomponent(s) 50 mounted to the inner mounting plate 38, is then securedto the outer mounting ring 40 with the set screw 28 thereafter beingintroduced to engage the notch 14 d. The set screw 28 restricts rotationof the accessory 26, and components thereof, thereby resisting looseningdue to vibration and providing an anti-theft measure. Points ofconnection, or open points, may be sealed, as known in art (e.g., withgasketing, silicone, etc.), particularly where the accessory 26 isexposed to humid conditions or temperature extremes. Industry standardsmay be followed in ensuring sealing of sufficient integrity. Vibration,anti-theft/vandal and environmental/weather resistant enclosurespecifications and requirements are set forth in, and incorporatedherein by reference, NEMA Enclosure Ratings, including, e.g., IP66 oneof the highest NEMA Ingress Protection ratings for an enclosure that is(i) dust tight with no ingress of dust for two to eight hours and (ii)protected from water from heavy seas or water projected in powerful jetsnot entering the enclosure in harmful quantities, and other suchenclosure standards that are or may become available.

As shown in FIG. 20, the inner mounting plate 38 may be formed with arectangular shape with the snap-fit arms 54 formed to engage the slots56 formed in the plate or printed circuit board 52 with the electroniccomponents 50 being secured thereon. The housing 36, the printed circuitboard 52, and the inner mounting plate 38 may be provided with openings72 to allow passage therethrough of the screw(s) 34 into engagement withthe body 20.

As an additional feature, with the accessory 26 including a signalreceiver, such as a wireless or infrared receiver, a remote control 74may be provided for issuing various signal commands to the accessory 26to control, or otherwise interact, with the solid-state lighting fixtureassembly 10. The remote control 74, shown in FIG. 21, may be of anyknown configuration for transmitting signals wirelessly or by infraredtransmission. The remote control 74 may be used for control (e.g.,on/off, dimming, etc.), adjusting settings of the solid-state lightingfixture assembly 10 (e.g., setting “no motion” time period to turn offlights, dawn/dusk settings, etc.), and/or retrieving data from aMicrocontroller Unit (“MCU”) 100 which may have been collected byaccessory 26. MCU 100 controls the overall operation and functionalityof accessory 26 and, as known in the art includes a central processingunit (“CPU”), some memory for storing data and operational programs andcircuitry to implement peripheral functionality. An example of MCUcontrol circuitry 100 (e.g., using an STM8S003F3P6 fromSTMicroelectronics) is shown in FIG. 23.

FIG. 22 shows a general block diagram schematic for various circuitryblocks that may be included in an accessory 26 of the subject inventionwith MCU control circuitry 100 at the core of the system to control allcircuitry within accessory 26 as noted above. FIG. 24 shows an examplevoltage regulation circuit 101 that provides accessory 26 with power(e.g., 3.3V and 12V) necessary for its overall operation and controlwith VIN being provided to accessory 26 from electrical conductor 24either from an auxiliary power output connection on lighting fixture 12or a battery power pack 18 within lighting fixture 12, as shown in FIG.3. Alternatively, battery power pack 18 may be included within accessory26 and charged using power from electrical conductor 24 or by accessory26 itself, if accessory 26 is fitted with conventional solar cells likethose currently used to charge on-board batteries.

Examples of the other circuitry blocks in FIG. 22 connected to MCUcontrol circuitry 100 are shown in FIGS. 25-31 and it should beunderstood that one or more of these circuitry blocks may be included inaccessory 26 depending upon the functionality that is desired to beadded to lighting fixture 12. More particularly, communications in andout of accessory 26 can be provided using, for example, a USB connector102 (FIG. 25), an infrared receiving circuit 103 (FIG. 26) and/or aBluetooth (BLE) circuit 108 (any commercially available BLE Moduledevice such as those from Cyprus, Fanstel or Microship Technology) (FIG.31). Likewise, an ambient light receiving circuit 104 (FIG. 27) can beincluded for sensing light and a dimming switch 105 (FIG. 28) can beprovided to adjust LED brightness of lighting fixture 12 based on theamount of ambient light sensed by ambient light receiving circuit 104.In addition, as discussed above, accessory 26 can provide motion sensingfunctionality to lighting fixture 12 to monitor and record movementand/or turn lighting fixture 12 on and off using (i) a Passive Infrared(“PIR”) sensor circuit 106 (e.g., using a common LM258 seriesoperational amplifier) like that shown in FIG. 29 or a microwave sensorcircuit 107 similar to the one shown in FIG. 30. Again, note that all ofthe circuitry blocks shown in FIGS. 23-31 and described above are merelyexemplary, as there are many such circuits available to provide thesefeatures in accordance with the current invention. In addition, noteaccessory 26 may take many forms and include any combination of thecircuits discussed above including, but not limited to, the plug shapeshown in FIGS. 4-8 and 12-19 or the rectangular shape shown in FIGS. 9and 20. As will be recognized by those skilled in the art, the subjectinvention is not limited to these arrangements or circuits.

1. A lighting fixture assembly comprising: a body; a port mounted onsaid body to receive a USB connector, the port being located on adownward facing surface of the body to be externally accessible fromoutside the body; and an accessory having a USB connector receivable inthe port, a housing, an outer mounting ring circumscribing the USBconnector, the outer mounting ring having at least one openingtherethrough, a circuit board mounted internally of, and enshrouded by,the housing, and, at least one sensor mounted to the circuit board,wherein, with the USB connector received in the port, the outer ring isnon-rotatably fixed relative to the port with a set screw passingthrough the at least one opening into engagement with the port. 2.-4.(canceled)
 5. The lighting fixture assembly as in claim 1, wherein saidat least one sensor is configured to detect motion.
 6. The lightingfixture assembly as in claim 1, wherein said at least one sensor isconfigured to detect ambient light levels.
 7. The lighting fixtureassembly as in claim 1, wherein said accessory contains at least onecommunication component.
 8. The lighting fixture assembly as in claim 7,wherein said at least one communication component provides wirelesscommunication.
 9. (canceled)
 10. The lighting fixture assembly as inclaim 7, wherein said at least one sensor collects and stores sensordata and said at least one communication component provides wirelesscommunication of the sensor data stored by said at least one sensor. 11.The lighting fixture assembly as in claim 1, wherein said port includes:a socket body extending through an opening in said downward facingsurface of said body; a collar located on said socket body to extendabout said opening; and a locking nut threaded onto said socket bodywhich together with said collar hold said port in said opening. 12.-20.(canceled)
 21. The lighting fixture assembly as in claim 29, wherein thehousing is rectangular. 22.-24. (canceled)
 25. The lighting fixtureassembly as in claim 1, wherein said port includes a socket body with anotch formed therein to receive the set screw.
 26. The lighting fixtureassembly as in claim 29, wherein said port includes a socket body with anon-circular profile.
 27. The lighting fixture assembly as in claim 26,wherein said socket body extends through an opening in said downwardfacing surface of said body, and, wherein said socket body includes acollar and mounting detents spaced therefrom to snap engage a portion ofsaid body about said opening.
 28. The lighting fixture assembly as inclaim 1, wherein said port includes: a socket body extending through anopening in said downward facing surface of said body; a collar locatedon said socket body adjacent to said opening; and a locking threadlocated on said socket body, wherein said collar is located between saidlocking thread and said opening, and, wherein said outer ring includes asecond locking thread formed for threaded engagement with said lockingthread of said socket body.
 29. A lighting fixture assembly comprising:a body; a port mounted on said body to receive a USB connector, the portbeing located on a downward facing surface of the body to be externallyaccessible from outside the body; and an accessory having a USBconnector receivable in the port, a housing having at least one openingtherethrough, a circuit board mounted internally of, and enshrouded by,the housing, and, at least one sensor mounted to the circuit board,wherein, with the USB connector received in the port, the housing isnon-rotatably fixed relative to the port with a mounting screw passingthrough the at least one opening into engagement with the downwardfacing surface of the body.
 30. The lighting fixture assembly as inclaim 29, wherein the at least one sensor is configured to detectmotion.
 31. The lighting fixture assembly as in claim 29, wherein the atleast one sensor is configured to detect ambient light levels.
 32. Thelighting fixture assembly as in claim 29, wherein the accessory containsat least one communication component.
 33. The lighting fixture assemblyas in claim 32, wherein the at least one communication componentprovides wireless communication.
 34. The lighting fixture assembly as inclaim 32, wherein the at least one sensor collects and stores sensordata and the at least one communication component provides wirelesscommunication of the sensor data stored by the at least one sensor. 35.The lighting fixture assembly as in claim 1, wherein the port extendsalong a longitudinal axis, wherein the circuit board is planar within areference plane, and, wherein, with the USB connector received in theport, the reference plane of the circuit board is disposed transverselyto the longitudinal axis of the port.
 36. The lighting fixture assemblyas in claim 29, wherein the port extends along a longitudinal axis,wherein the circuit board is planar within a reference plane, and,wherein, with the USB connector received in the port, the referenceplane of the circuit board is disposed transversely to the longitudinalaxis of the port.